"Robin Redbreast" is NOT about the Robin in Texas

 

The bird that inspired many tales, including the children’s story “Robin Redbreast “ is not the same kind of robin that we see here, although both have a red/orange breast.  The stories are about the European Robin (pictured above) a bird native to the British isles and the inspiration for the 15th century poem. The red-breasted bird we see below and in Texas is officially named the American Robin and is a totally different species.  It lives in north Texas year ‘round, but is most active (and more likely to be seen) in the spring.

 

 

Tasty bugs!

In Texas, all but one species of wild bird (even those that eat seed like Cardinals) feed their newborns nothing but insects. They’re easier to digest! When they leave the nest, young birds learn to find and eat seed – maybe at your birdfeeder with the help of parents.  The exception is Finches, whose nestlings can eat seeds.

Insects are, hpefully, abundant in the spring, unless you rake up all leaves on the ground (where they overwinter), or use a lot of chemicals. About 96% of insects are harmless anyway -many are even beneficial

 

 

OWEN YOST, in addition to being a blogger, is a licensed Landscape Architect emeritus who has lived and worked in north Texas for over 30 years. He is the recipient of a Lifetime Achievement Award of the Native Plant Society of Texas, and is a member of the American Society of Landscape Architects (ASLA), International Federation of Landscape Architects, National Wildlife Federation and the Audubon Society. His office is at Yost87@charter.net in Denton.

 

American Robin